Concerns over a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime route that facilitates nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments — have kept crude oil prices elevated.

CME Group launches 10-barrel WTI crude oil futures on August 30 and shifts gold futures to 24/7 trading on July 26, lowering barriers for commodity traders.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) estimated that crude oil inventories in the United States fell by 9.119 million barrels in the week ending June 5

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also warned that the U.S. will take over Iran’s Kharg Island in the not-too-distant future.

Oil prices jumped on Thursday after the United States launched a fresh round of military strikes against targets in Iran.

Crude oil is the loudest macro story of 2026, and the cleanest way to express a view on it without owning physical barrels is through exchange-traded funds. This piece focuses on four: the United States Oil Fund (NYSEARCA:USO),

Crude oil markets have experienced heightened levels of volatility in 2026, with a record $38 intraday trading range set on March 9

Energy Transfer, Enbridge, and Chevron are still evergreen energy plays.

Commercial crude stocks are seen falling by 2.9 million barrels to 430.8 million barrels in the week ended June 5, according to the average estimate of eight analysts and traders. Expectations range from a draw of 1.4 million barrels to a draw of 7.1 million barrels.

U.S. crude oil inventories extended their decline, falling by 8 million barrels, as exports rose and refineries ran near full capacity.